HIS image graces the cover of the classic Clash album London Calling - but it was 'Damon Calling' that lured punk icon Paul Simonon from a self imposed retirement from music.

HIS image graces the cover of the classic Clash album London Calling - but it was 'Damon Calling' that lured punk icon Paul Simonon from a self imposed retirement from music.

Following the disintegration of Paul's band The Clash and a short-lived session with his own group Havana 3am the bass player devoted himself to art and sculpture for 15 years.

But when he received a telephone call from Britpop hero Damon Albarn inviting him to listen to some new tunes a return to music beckoned.

"I have a lot of respect for Damon, especially the way he turned down the Cool Britannia invite from Tony Blair," says 51-year-old Paul. "I also saw the first Gorillaz show and I liked what Damon was doing.

"When he phoned me I felt as if I'd reached a stage in my painting when I could take on something else. If I'm painting all the time I find it useful to do something different, be it sculpture, music or whatever."

The tracks that Damon played to Paul had been recorded in Nigeria with African musicians.

"I added a couple of basslines and the next day Damon called again with the idea for the The Good, The Bad & The Queen project. We jammed together and came up with some more stuff."

Guitarist Simon Tong of The Verve and Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen were added to the mix and the band was born.

"It's been OK getting back into music," admits Paul. "Although the industry is quite different to how it used to be. When I was in The Clash there was no Internet or DVDs.

"And the political world was very different. In 1976/ 77 you knew where you were with the Conservatives and Labour. Today it's like a one party state with no choices."

The Good, The Bad & The Queen are currently on tour, with a show at Dudley JB's tonight, but after that there are no firm plans for the outfit.

"We are going to play it by ear," admits Paul. "We've got it to this point but we'll have a break for other projects, and then who knows? Nothing is etched in copper plate."

Paul's agenda includes returning to an artistic project he's been working on for some time, a series of paintings inspired by bull rings and bull fighting.

"I was curious about the subject and I wanted to find out what it was all about," he explains.

"It's a similar situation to fox hunting in this country with city dwellers having no understanding why it exists.

"I visited Spain and spoke to everyone, from the bull fighters to the people who sweep the rings to crippled ex-bullfighters who now sell tickets.